HTPC spec

richyfingers · 11 Mar 2009 at 12:53

Hi guys, just a quick spec check if you will.

Moving into a new flat next month and want to get an htpc sorted before moving, i'd like it to be capable of playing 1080p hd movie files. Will be linked to panny 42" pz80, amp will be cambridge audio A1 mk3. Im planing on running it all through vista media centre.

Does this spec look like it would do the job? Any suggestions or changes you would make?

Cheers,

Richy.

wolvers · 11 Mar 2009 at 13:04

Looks OK.

You probably could get away with less RAM and an energy efficient CPU if you wanted. Also, you'll probably want to research a quiet CPU cooler that will fit in that case.

richyfingers · 11 Mar 2009 at 13:20

Sorry i'm a bit out of touch with pc parts at the moment, which ones are the energy efficient models? Is there anything better I could get within that budget?

wolvers · 11 Mar 2009 at 17:02

I don't think that the energy efficient X2 chips are cheaper than that 5200 that you've chosen.

The 780G chipset is fine for what you want.

alex24 · 11 Mar 2009 at 17:05

DDR2 is so cheap now it might be worth going with the 4Gb but getting something with a lifetime warranty? I don't think it'd be much more at all, plus it'd be better. Perhaps the kingston.

EDIT: This. It's actually cheaper!

Kearney_1988 · 11 Mar 2009 at 17:36

i would actually get a modular psu as cable management will be a nightmare as it is in small cases

alex24 · 11 Mar 2009 at 17:39

I think the Fusion is OK since it's compartmentalised so you can tuck unused cables on one side, though it can't hurt. Don't think i'd ever buy a non-modular PSU now unless I was on a super-low budget.

richyfingers · 11 Mar 2009 at 19:02

alexhull24 said:
DDR2 is so cheap now it might be worth going with the 4Gb but getting something with a lifetime warranty? I don't think it'd be much more at all, plus it'd be better. Perhaps the kingston.

EDIT: This. It's actually cheaper!

Thanks, think i'll just go for that stuff. Over time I think i will buy extra bits for it but for now im hoping it will do the job.

wolvers · 11 Mar 2009 at 19:03

Kearney_1988 said:
i would actually get a modular psu as cable management will be a nightmare as it is in small cases

Didn't notice that. Top idea.

bam0 · 11 Mar 2009 at 20:45

wolvers69 said:
The 780G chipset is fine for what you want.

Although if you want to use that bluray drive for watching movies and plan to get a better amp something based on the nvidia 8200/8300 chipset would be better, 780G only does stereo over HDMI, the nvidia will bitstream DD/DTS (DVDs) and supports 7.1 LPCM for bluray (decoded on the HTPC).

richyfingers · 12 Mar 2009 at 01:19

Decided to canabalise my main rig instead of buying a whole load of new parts. Was planning on keeping it as a secondry rig for a bit of gaming and stuff but cant see myself using it much now i have my 360.

So i've got a Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 enery efficient SLACR 95W Edition along with an abit IP35-E and 2 gigs of crucial ballistix tracer. My 7800GTX will be replaced with a silent 3450 Saphire and I have an Audigy 2 that I will stick in there too. The rest will be as follows.

Antec Fusion Remote HTPC Case - Black (No PSU)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache

Sony BDU-X10S Blu-Ray Reader Serial-ATA Drive

Akasa Ultra Quiet 400W Paxpower Active PFC ATX2.2 Power Supply

Keysonic Wireless Keyboard/Touchpad

Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 3450 Silence "Low Profile" 256MB DDR2

Noctua NF-S12 800RPM 120mm Silent Case Fan

Any comments / changes you would make?

edit* damn it just realised I need micro atx : /

xb8browney · 12 Mar 2009 at 08:08

Thats almost the exact spec of my HTPC and mine plays HD files no problem

ssmacc · 12 Mar 2009 at 08:32

If your only playing Media have a look at the below:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17982935

Windows Media Centre is a pain to play certain file types (.mkv for one).

bam0 · 12 Mar 2009 at 09:07

ssmacc said:
Windows Media Centre is a pain to play certain file types (.mkv for one).

Not really, quick registry patch and they appear in the folder listings just like the other formats.

As for the revised spec, it's way, way overpowered for media playing, even if you're doing HD, with the right codecs and a decent graphics card a fast CPU just isn't required.

wolvers · 12 Mar 2009 at 10:29

3450 isn't a good buy when there are silent 4670's around.

ssmacc · 12 Mar 2009 at 10:42

'Not really, quick registry patch and they appear in the folder listings just like the other formats.'

Sorry to jump in on the post!

Could you point me in the direction of the reg. patch? I've tried in the past and failed to see .mkv's! (Vista 64)

thanks

bam0 · 12 Mar 2009 at 10:52

ssmacc said:
'Not really, quick registry patch and they appear in the folder listings just like the other formats.'

Sorry to jump in on the post!

Could you point me in the direction of the reg. patch? I've tried in the past and failed to see .mkv's! (Vista 64)

thanks

Try this one: http://a8t8.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!2518DD508BB713E8!220.entry

richyfingers · 12 Mar 2009 at 12:39

bam0 said:
Not really, quick registry patch and they appear in the folder listings just like the other formats.

As for the revised spec, it's way, way overpowered for media playing, even if you're doing HD, with the right codecs and a decent graphics card a fast CPU just isn't required.

I guessed that but it saves me buying a load of new extra bits saving me some £££.

wolvers69 said:
3450 isn't a good buy when there are silent 4670's around.

But it sounds like the 3450 is more than adequate for HD playback so why bother?

wolvers · 12 Mar 2009 at 15:23

ssmacc said:
I've tried in the past and failed to see .mkv's! (Vista 64)

thanks

AFAIK vista 64 doesn't play nice with .mkv.

wolvers · 12 Mar 2009 at 15:26

richyfingers said:
But it sounds like the 3450 is more than adequate for HD playback so why bother?

Sorry, I was thinking about the audio side of things but I didn't see you planned to use the Audigy 2.

I suppose if you have to buy a micro-atx board then you won't need either.